Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins
Last fall, some predicted that the 2019 residential real estate market would be a disaster. There was even belief we might experience a housing crash like the one that occurred during the last decade.
However, according to two separate reports*, buyer demand dramatically increased over the last three months, leading into this spring buyers’ market (the March data is not yet available).
Both the ShowingTime Showing Index and the National Association of REALTORS Buyer Traffic Index show that buyer demand has increased in each of the last three months.
Why the increase in demand? Increased buying power.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Economists’ Outlook Blog, purchasing a home has become more affordable, which has led to increased demand.
“Due to the combination of falling home prices and mortgage rates, the income needed to make an affordable mortgage payment (mortgage no more than 25% of income) on a median-priced home with 10% down payment and 30-year fixed rate mortgage decreased from $60,425 in June 2018 to $53,783 as of February 2019, and the difference of $6,642 represents a gain in buying power because one can afford a home purchase at a lower level of income.”
Bottom Line
It appears the spring buyers’ market is going to be much stronger than many had projected. Whether you are selling or buying, this is important news.
*The methodology behind the indices:
The ShowingTime Showing Index
“The ShowingTime Showing Index® tracks the average number of buyer showings on active residential properties on a monthly basis, a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future demand trends.”
The National Association of REALTORS® Buyer Traffic Index
“In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, NAR asks respondents ‘Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?’ NAR compiles the responses into an index, where an index above 50 indicates that more respondents reported “stronger” traffic than “weaker” traffic.”
Wasatch Front Home Prices Soared
Median single-family home prices on the Wasatch Front soared in the fourth quarter. Home prices in the 10 most expensive Wasatch Front ZIP Codes now rival many other large U.S. cities. Alpine’s median price climbed to $1.3 million, a higher median price than Los...
Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To Sell
Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To Sell In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage...
How Remote Work Impacts Your Home Search
How Remote Work Impacts Your Home Search Some Highlights If your workplace is delaying its return to office plans or is allowing permanent work from home options, that may open up new possibilities for your home search. Ongoing remote work could give you the chance...
Pre-Approval Gives You The Edge
Pre-approval gives you a competitive edge when you make an offer on a house. Let's connect so you're in the best position when you find your dream home. [video width="1920" height="1080"...
Sam and Lacie Diamond
Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...
Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This Year
Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This Year Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us have spent more time at home and that’s led us to re-evaluate both what we...
Housing Inventory Lower than Last Year
Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...
Why Your Home Inspection Matters
Why Your Home Inspection Matters Some Highlights Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the...
Sold (My Favorite 4 Letter Word)
I Was able to help Sam and Lacie sell their home in Price Utah! Thank you for putting your trust in me! Sold (My Favorite 4 Letter Word)
Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment
Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Some Highlights According to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for eight years in a row. Real estate tops the list because you’re not just buying a place to call home – you’re...